Jennifer Barrera
Jennifer Barrera took over as president and chief executive officer of the California Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2021. Previously, she oversaw the development and implementation of policy and strategy as executive vice president and represented the CalChamber on legal reform issues. She led CalChamber advocacy on labor and employment and taxation from September 2010 through the end of 2017. As senior policy advocate in 2017, she worked with the executive vice president in developing policy strategy. Before joining the CalChamber, she worked at a statewide law firm that specializes in labor/employment defense. Barrera earned a B.A. in English from California State University, Bakersfield, and a J.D. with high honors from California Western School of Law. See full bio.
The State Must Act Now to Pay Down Unemployment Insurance Debt
This pandemic created unprecedented unemployment, which was not only devastating to thousands of Californians and their families, but also drained the State’s unemployment insurance...
Moderate Democrats Show Influence in Key Policy Areas
In a democracy, it’s the votes that count. No matter what the polls say before election day, or the pundits say about the make-up...
2021 Job Killers – Capitol Insider
For the 21st consecutive year, CalChamber is releasing our Job Killer list that identifies pending legislation that will significantly harm California’s business climate if...
CalChamber Endorses Effort to Open Schools Safely and Soon
The time has come for the Legislature to join Governor Gavin Newsom in finalizing an agreement to reopen California public schools.
Governor Newsom has laid...
Finding the Common Ground of Respect
One of the most memorable and impactful bills I have observed in the California legislative process is actually a bill that I didn’t even...
Proposition 22 Supports California’s Economic Diversity
The election is a week away and in addition to choosing the next President, there are a number of important initiatives on the ballot...
Three Days Left – One Job Killer Remains
With three days left to either veto or sign the remaining bills on his desk, Governor Newsom has one more Job Killer to consider...
Legislature to California Employers: Do as I Say, Not as I Do
The California Assembly left until the very last minute of its 2020 session one of the most controversial bills of the year. SB 1383...
Employment-Related Job Killer Bills Remain as End of Session Approaches
Three California Chamber of Commerce job killer bills that will significantly increase labor costs and create more liability for employers are expected to be...
Assembly Committee to Consider Two Job Killer Bills That Will Increase Labor Costs
Two job killer bills that will increase costs and expose employers to potential litigation will be considered by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee...
COVID-19 Creates Unprecedented Disruption
The final stretch of the legislative session starts today, and it will be like no other ever experienced. COVID-19 has disrupted everything and the...
Job Killer Bill Establishing New Leave Advances to Assembly
A job killer bill that will overwhelmingly impact small employers and will impose higher costs and additional administrative burdens passed a key legislative hurdle...
New Job Killer Bill Would Devastate Small Employers in California
A bill requiring that all employers provide 12 weeks of protected family leave and includes a private right of action has been labeled a...
Key to Re-Opening Economy – Liability Protection
As businesses throughout the state start to re-open, there is a looming question as to whether it is safe. Consumers want to resume a...
Job Killer Bill Increasing Burdens on Garment Industry to Be Considered Tuesday
A California Chamber of Commerce job killer bill that will increase costs and impose onerous burdens on garment industry employers will be considered by...
Job Killer Bill Allowing Local Government to Adopt Stricter Labor Standards to Be Heard...
A job killer bill that would result in chaotic and inconsistent enforcement of wage and hour laws by local jurisdictions by authorizing them to...
CalChamber Offers Recommendations to Fire Up California’s Economic Recovery
Setting liability limits for employers facing lawsuits over COVID-19 exposure, postponing the 2021 minimum wage hike, and expediting retraining programs for unemployed workers are...
Job Killer Bills Impose New Leave Mandates; Raise Costs, Burdens on Employers
Job killing legislation that will threaten small employers with costly litigation, increased financial burdens, and new or extended leaves of absence is advancing in...
Job Killer Update: AB 2501 Added to List, 1 Bill Stalled, 1 Bill Removed
A job killer bill that will significantly restrict Californians’ ability to access home and auto loans by placing onerous burdens on lenders, which will...
Benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program Available to Employees Who Have Symptoms or...
As a part of his roadmap to reopening the economy, California Governor Newsom recently raised the issue of a wage replacement mandate on businesses...